Solid State Sensors

We have developed solid state sensor technology that can provide an inexpensive, rugged, solid-state device capable of measuring the concentration of multiple species (such as NO and CO) in coal combustion exhaust. Our goal is to extend this technology to create a single potentiometric (voltage output) sensor that is sensitive to multiple gasses (NOx, CO2, O2). Such
a sensor can be used to improve combustion control, resulting in both improved fuel utilization and reduced emissions.

Our research has shown that the Mixed Potential Theory is insufficient for the NOx sensing mechanism of sensors that employ metal oxide semi-conducting electrodes. We developed a more comprehensive mechanism called the Differential Electrode Equilibria that produces a more accurate model.